Eris

Important note: This dwarf planet was discovered very recently, and we've only had a couple of decades to learn about its true influence from an astrological perspective. So feel free to read the following knowing that this is our interpretation of its effect on a birth chart and via transit, and other astrologers might have a slightly different perspective.

One of the most exciting ideas about Eris is that it may be the true ruler of Libra. Not soft and sensual Venus, which is just fine and dandy lording itself over Taurus. Eris is not soft. Its influence is actually quite fierce. But how do we know then that this is Libra's true master? Well, it will be explained a bit further down on this page, but for now, let's explore what Eris is all about!

Have you ever wondered how you would feel if you acted unapologetically and assertively yourself in all situations? Have you struggled to balance your need to be authentic with your need to conform to the expectations of others? How often does your inner warrior goddess demand to come roaring out like a wounded lioness due to feeling oppressed by our restrictive culture? And yes, this question applies to you even if you are a man.

Eris shows us where in our birth charts we are desperately seeking to balance authenticity with identifying with others. Note that the key word in the last sentence is balance. Do you remember what we said above about Libra? Eris takes longer than any other celestial body in astrology to make a complete revolution around the Sun. It actually runs on an over 500-year cycle! This is such a long time that just about everyone alive today has this dwarf planet in the sign of Aries. And since it has been there since 1926, we have spent the last century struggling mightily as a culture with our sense of identity as individuals versus being a member of the collective. The sign of Aries is a force to be reckoned with, and it demands acknowledgment that we humans are strong, passionate, and above all else, individuals. This is especially true in Western cultures. Since the roaring twenties, the social demand for us all to be unique has grown louder and louder. You see it most prominently in advertisements. Constant encouragement to be the most attractive versions of ourselves just so we can sell an image to others and be loved. Ironic, isn't it?

And therein lies the balance that Eris demands. How can we assess each other fairly if we are not even sure if others are being authentic or if everyone is putting on an act in order to be accepted? Eris asks that we answer these questions for ourselves, and its very long transits to our personal planets have us exploring a mighty journey to prove our own individuality. Inside all of us is a warrior-woman goddess that wants to be seen, loved, and treated as a unique human being. But the crux of this problem is that we want to be accepted by others. Can we really achieve this goal if we are 100% ourselves?

Eris rules the sign Libra and feels most at home in the seventh house of partnerships.